The real tossup is in Wawarsing, where Republican Craig Lopez eked out a 15-vote victory over tireless Tim Distel. That Distel, now pushing 30, is running this time with his daddy, former supervisor Len Distel, might make a difference. Published campaign spending reports show young Distel with over $20,000 on hand, five times that of his opponent. That is a huge (though legal) amount for any legislator to spend on a single-member district. Most of the boodle comes from the Wawarsing Democratic Committee, via generous contributions from a town elder. That said, I hear good things about diligence and commitment on the part of the freshman Republican. Whether that resonates over an avalanche of campaign cash would seem doubtful.
Who will be leader?
With the chairmanship itself at stake, Rochester (with a small piece of Wawarsing) is the feature race in the legislature. There, two-term Republican Chairwoman Terry Bernardo is being challenged by the seemingly formidable town-board member Lynn Archer. County Executive Mike Hein likes her, perhaps because she’s not Bernardo. But Bernardo seems to have numerous political lives, as witnessed by her mauling of a primary challenger last month. Certainly, she will spare no expense to retain her legislative seat. Getting re-elected chair in January, should she and fellow Republicans maintain the majority, is an entirely different matter.
Most of the other interesting races for legislator around the county feature familiar faces.
Multiple-term Rosendale councilwoman Manna Jo Greene will face newcomer Kevin Hines in what may be the showcase event in a town with few contests this year. Given voting trends, the edge goes to Greene.
Organic farmer Billiam Van Roestenberg has been to the gate a few times, but not for an open seat in what for eight years was Wayne’s World (for the retiring Harris). Republican Herb Litts has a core of zealous supporters.
I don’t think anybody beats non-party nominal Democrat Tracey Bartels in Gardiner-New Paltz, but it says here that Republican Lenny Zapka has the only chance. Should Bartels and the Democrats prevail, she will be in the conversation for county legislature chair next year.
The Dave Donaldson-versus-John Quigley matchup in Kingston is mostly about the nine-term incumbent Democrat. Republican Quigley is an eager pup (all of 21), smart and personable, but to win has to count on Donaldson, facing primary opposition two years ago, wearing out his welcome with Democrats.
In Esopus-Rosendale, two-time Republican Carl Belfiglio, with a talent for self-generated publicity, makes lots of noise. Newcomer Peter Nelson has been playing catch-up.
A Democratic majority would provide the opportunity for the legislature to redefine its role in county government after four years of executive dominance over the Republicans. In that sense, this election has meaning.
